Apparatus and method for swing training

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for training an individual to employ proper swing technique in baseball, softball, and other similar sports involving a swinging instrument, a ball, and contact between the swinging instrument and ball.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for training an individualto employ proper swing technique. In particular, the method andapparatus are beneficial for training an individual to use proper formfor baseball and softball swings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Baseball and softball players train for hours to achieve a proper swing.From an early age, players are taught certain fundamentals of the swingthat, if followed, result in more power and an increased likelihood ofmaking contact with the ball. However, players often develop bad habitsthat detract from the ideal swing. These bad habits result in a loss ofpower and an inconsistent swing that decreases the likelihood of makinggood contact with the ball.

Some common bad habits that players develop include: lunging or leaningforward (to the left for a right handed person), casting (extending armstoo soon), bailing out (stepping back with the front foot), and droppingthe hands or back shoulder too soon. All of these habits result in aloss of power and a decreased likelihood of making contact with theball.

Many “swing aids” and training methods have been developed over theyears to reinforce the fundamentals of a proper swing. However, theseswing aids often require the use of complex contraptions that a playercan not utilize without the assistance of another individual. Otherdevices require structural assistance such as a fence, doorway, or otherstructure in order to use the device, thereby limiting the area that canbe used for training. In addition, many of these swing aids require theplayer to use specific equipment. As such, the player is prohibited fromincorporating their own equipment into the training session. Further,most swing aids are only designed to fix one swing error. Therefore, aplayer may be forced to purchase several devices to fix a plurality ofproblems, and the multiple swing aids may not be compatible for combineduse.

Finally, other devices are limited in the amount of feedback given tothe user if improper mechanics or fundamentals are implemented by theuser. And, many of the devices do not provide the user with instantfeedback.

Therefore, a need remains for a single, portable apparatus that caneliminate multiple improper swing tendencies of a player while allowingthe player to train with their own equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for trainingcomprising: a vertical section coupled to a horizontal platform; araised step bordering the platform; an angled stop surface travellingacross the width of the platform; a tether coupled at one end to thevertical section and at the other end to a harness; an adjustable strapcoupled to the vertical section at one end and adapted to be attached toa swinging instrument.

In one embodiment, the vertical section is adjustable to accommodate aleft-handed or right-handed user. In another embodiment, the tether isadjustable to be substantially parallel to the platform and/oradjustable from a height of about 2.0 feet to about 6.0 feet.

In this aspect of the invention, the raised step may be at least 0.1inch above the platform. For example, the raised step may be from about0.05 inch to about 2.00 inches above the platform. The platform itselfmay be at least about 0.1 inches above the ground.

The adjustable strap may be formed from an elastic material. In additionthe adjustable strap may form an angle with the pole between about 30°to about 45°.

The present invention also relates to a method for training a swingcomprising the steps of: attaching a vertical section to a platform toform a right angle with the platform; attaching a tether to the verticalsection; attaching the tether to the user; and attaching one end of anadjustable strap to the vertical section and the other end of theadjustable strap to a swinging instrument.

In one embodiment, the method further includes the steps of: positioningthe heels of the user's feet on a raised step; and positioning the backfoot of the user against a stop surface. The adjustable strap may beformed from a variety of materials including elastic materials. Thetether may be coupled to a harness worn by the user.

In another embodiment, the method may further include a step ofadjusting the height of the tether to a position on the vertical sectionwherein the tether is substantially parallel to the platform. Theadjustable strap may form an angle of between about 30° and 45° with thevertical section. The swinging is initially held by the user so that itis substantially parallel to the adjustable strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention can be ascertained fromthe following detailed description that is provided in connection withthe drawing(s) described below:

FIG. 1 is an elevated side view of the platform according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 is an elevated side view of the platform and stop according tothe invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevated side view of the platform and vertical sectionaccording to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the vertical section, tether, and harnessaccording to the invention;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are exploded side views of the vertical section andadjustable tether according to the invention shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the vertical section and adjustable strapaccording to the invention; and

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are exploded side views of the adjustable strap andthe coupling of the adjustable strap to the vertical section accordingto the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a training device for baseball,softball, or other sports that require a player to swing an instrumentat a ball or other object. In particular, the device is designed toreinforce the fundamental principles of a swing.

As discussed above, failure to follow the basic swing fundamentals leadsto a reduction in power for the swing as well as a decreased likelihoodthat contact will be made with the ball. There are many swing flaws thatcan occur when the proper fundamentals are not reinforced throughpractice and repetition. For example, “lunging” occurs when a playertransfers his weight from the rear foot toward the front foot. Thisaction results in a significant loss of power. Further, “bailing out”occurs when a player steps away from the ball with the leading foot.This practice not only decreases the power of the swing, but alsosignificantly reduces the chance of making contact with the ball.“Casting” refers to the habit of extending the arms prior to makingcontact with the ball, which reduces the power of the swing. Finally,dropping the hands or dipping the shoulder early in the swing alsoaffects the power and likelihood of making contact with the ball.

Without being bound to any particular theory, the swing training aiddiscussed herein trains a player to retain the fundamentals of the swingand prevents the player from adopting the swing flaws discussed above.The swing training aid includes a platform, a vertical section, atether, and means to restrict a swinging instrument.

The platform 10 is wide enough to accommodate a player's foot.Preferably the platform is at least about 18 inches wide. In oneembodiment, the platform is raised above the ground enough to allow theplayer to feel a noticeable difference when stepping off the platform.For example, when the swing training aid of the present invention is inuse, the player is provided with instant feedback when the player stepsoff the platform due to stepping into the ball. Thus, the player canself-diagnose whether the player has acquired the tendency of “bailingout” as described above.

In this aspect of the invention, platform 10 is at least about 0.1inches above the ground. In another embodiment, the platform is betweenabout 0.2 inches and 2.0 inches above the ground. In yet anotherembodiment, the platform is at least about 0.5 inches, preferably atleast about 0.75 inches. In still another embodiment, the platform isabout 1.5 inches or less.

The platform surface may be any material suitable for swing training. Inone embodiment, the platform surface is selected from non-slip materialsincluding, but not limited to, synthetic field grass and artificialturf, rubbers, epoxy slip-proof coatings, paints with anti-slipadditives, and combinations thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, platform 10 may also be equipped with raised step20. In use, the player places the heels of the feet onto raised step 20,which encourages the player to place weight on the balls of the feet.The raised step may take the form of a vertical step or an inclinedsurface. In one embodiment, raised step 20 is at least 0.25 inches abovethe platform. In another embodiment, the raised step is between about0.05 inches and 2.0 inches above the platform. For example, the raisedstep may be about 0.5 inches or more above the platform. In this aspect,the raised step may be at least about 0.75 inches above the platform.

As shown in FIG. 2, back foot stop 15 runs across the width of theplatform. Preferably, a portion of stop 15 is angled downward toward thesurface of platform 10. Without being bound by any particular theory,the stop 15 functions as a support/guide to train the player to raisethe heel and turn the back foot toward the front of the platform duringthe swing. Accordingly, in use, a player places the back foot againststop 15. When performing a swing, the angled surface of stop 15 forces aplayer to raise the back heel and turn the back foot toward the front ofthe platform.

In one embodiment, stop 15 forms an angle of at least about 15° withplatform 10. In another embodiment, stop 15 forms an angle of betweenabout 5° and about 45° with platform 10. The height of stop 15 may be atleast about 0.1 inches above the surface of platform 10. In oneembodiment, stop 15 has a height between about 0.25 inches and about 2.0inches above the surface of platform 10.

The stop 15 may be mounted to the platform in a number of ways. In oneembodiment, the stop 15 may be affixed directly to the platform 10 in alocation that accommodates a wide range of stances and strides. Inaddition, the stop 15 is preferably located at a predetermined distanceaway from the vertical section 50, discussed in greater detail below, toprevent interference with a swinging instrument when used the apparatusis used correctly. In another embodiment, the stop 15 is adjustablymounted so that the user can modify the position of the stop 15 from thefront of the platform 10. Those of ordinary skill in the art would beaware of suitable methods to achieve an adjustably mounted stop 15. Forexample, the stop 15 may rest upon a track that runs generally parallelto the raised step of the platform and generally perpendicular to thefront edge of the platform 15.

Moreover, the stop 15 may be adjustably mounted such that the locationof the stop in relation to the raised step may be modified toaccommodate the user. In this regard, the stop 15 may be mounted to atrack that runs perpendicular to the raised step. In yet anotherembodiment, the stop 15 is mounted to a track that allows adjustment ofthe location of the stop 15 in directions parallel to and perpendicularto the raised step.

As shown in FIG. 3, platform 10 is configured to allow for verticalsection 50 to be attached to the surface. In one embodiment, thevertical section is a cylindrical pole. Those of ordinary skill in theart would appreciate that the vertical section may take a variety ofshapes within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Preferably, the vertical section 50 is adjustable to accommodate bothright-handed and left-handed swingers. In one embodiment, verticalsection 50 is removable and capable of being placed in various locationson platform 50. In another embodiment, vertical section 50 is coupled toa track and is adjustable along the axis of the track. Vertical section50 may also be collapsible to allow for portability of the trainingsystem. Further, vertical section 50 may comprise a series oftelescoping sections to further allow for portability. Vertical section50 may be formed of a variety of materials, including metallicmaterials, polymers such as polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene,polyethylene, and polycarbonate, and combinations thereof.

To prevent the player from “lunging” at the ball, as shown in FIG. 4,tether 90 is configured to be attached to vertical section 50 at oneend, and attached to a player at the other end. In one embodiment,tether 90 is attached to the player via a harness 100. In oneembodiment, harness 100 is a strap that is adjustable to be fit around aplayer's torso. For example, as shown generally in FIG. 4 b, the harness100 may be a strap that is adjustable to fit around a player's chest. Inanother embodiment, tether 90 is fit around a player's waist. Forexample, harness 100 may be a belt that fits around a player's waist.The harness 100 may be made from a variety of materials including, butnot limited to, synthetic polymers such as linear polyamides, acrylics,polyesters, rayons, other thermoplastic materials, and combinationsthereof.

In yet another embodiment, the tether 90 is attached to the player via avest (not shown). The vest may cover the majority of the torso orportions thereof. Suitable vest materials may be neoprene rubber, latex,and other similar materials.

In use, tether 90 allows for a batter to take a step toward a ball, butkeep the player's weight on the back foot. Preferably, tether 90 isadjustable so that the player may move less than about 6 inches awayfrom a starting position in a direction away from the pole or toward anincoming pitch.

Preferably, vertical section 50 accommodates many locations for tether90 to be secured. In one embodiment, vertical section 50 has locationsto attach tether 90 at 1 inch intervals between the heights of about 3feet and about 6 feet. Preferably, tether 90 is substantially parallelto platform 10. In one embodiment (shown generally in FIG. 4 a), thevertical section has adjustment holes 150 positioned incrementally alongthe height of the vertical section to accommodate the tether attachment.Preferably, tether 90 may be coupled to vertical section 50 at anylocation.

As shown in FIG. 5, an adjustable strap 200 is coupled to verticalsection 50. The strap is comprised of an elastic material, such as latexor a non-latex rubber material. Strap 200 is configured at one end to becoupled to vertical section 50 (FIG. 5 b). At the other end, strap 200is configured to be attached to the swinging instrument. In fact, oneadvantage of the present invention is the ability to incorporate aplayer's swinging instrument into the invention. In contrast, many knownswing aids require the use of specified equipment, namely swinginginstruments. Therefore, the player is deprived of the ability to trainwith the same equipment that will be used in a game situation. Asappreciated by players and coaches, the closer a practice session canmimic game situations, the better the practice. Therefore, it is crucialfor a player to be able to train with the same equipment that will beused in a game. As such, adjustable strap 200 is configured to receiveany swinging instrument. Preferably, the adjustable strap is configuredwith a hook and loop fastener at one end, as shown in FIG. 5 a, althoughany means of attaching a swinging instrument may be employed.

In one embodiment, a plurality of adjustable straps may be used with thepresent invention. For example, an advanced or stronger player may use astrap with more resistance to improve the power of the swing. In thealternative, a strap with a lower resistance may be used depending uponthe relative strength and desire of the user. According to one aspect ofthe present invention, strap 200 may have a resistance of from about 5pounds to about 100 pounds. In one embodiment, strap 200 has aresistance of at least 8 pounds.

In this aspect of the invention, the swing training apparatus of thepresent invention may include a kit of straps that allow the user toselect the specific resistance to better aid training. For example, inone embodiment, the kit includes a number of bands, e.g., yellow, green,red, blue, black, and purple, which each represent a different tensionlevel from extremely light to ultra heavy. In other words, the percentdeformation (change in length) may range from about 25 percent to about250 percent among the straps in the kit.

In one embodiment, strap 200 is adjustable to form an angle of about 30°to about 60° with the vertical section. In another embodiment, strap 200is adjustable to form an angle with the vertical section of about 35° toabout 45°. Preferably, strap 200 is adjustable along the height of thevertical section in the same manner that the tether is adjustable. Inone embodiment, the strap is adjustable in one inch increments. Inanother embodiment, strap 200 is adjustable in any location along theheight of the vertical section.

Once attached to the strap 200, the swinging instrument is positionedsubstantially parallel to strap 200. In this regard, the strap 200 isnot used with a full swing (e.g., with follow through after contact).Rather, the swing taken when the swinging instrument is attached to thestrap 200 is referred to as a practice swing or a swing to the point ofcontact. When a proper practice swing is achieved, the strap is locatedbelow the swinging instrument. However, if the player attempts to “cast”the swinging instrument during a practice swing, the swinging instrumenttravels under strap 200 and at least partially wraps around the swinginginstrument. Likewise, if the player drops the shoulder or hands in apractice swing, the swinging instrument will travel under the strap andresult in the strap wrapping around the swinging instrument. Thus,without being bound to any particular theory, the strap 200 isinstrumental in training a user to swing in the proper direction and onthe correct plane.

The present invention is also directed toward a method of using atraining apparatus. For the sake of brevity, the method of use will bedescribed for a right-handed player, although a skilled artisan wouldrecognize that the method is applicable to a left handed player as well.The player assembles the vertical section 50, to form a right angle withplatform 10. Next, the player steps onto platform 10. The player's frontfoot (the left foot for a right-handed player) is placed with the heelon raised step 20. The player's rear foot (right foot) is positioned atthe junction of stop 15 and raised step 20 so that the player's heel ison raised step 20, and the outside of the player's foot (right side)abuts the stop surface. The player attaches one end of tether 90 tovertical section 50 at a point that allows for tether 90 to besubstantially parallel to platform 10. Preferably, tether 90 is attachedto chest strap 100, which fits around a player's chest. Next, the playerattaches on end of adjustable strap 200 to the vertical section, and theopposite end to the swinging instrument. Preferably, adjustable strap200 forms an angle of about 30° to about 45° with vertical section 50.

The player may then begin a practice session with the swing aid whereinthe player swings at a ball, which may be stationary (on a tee) ormoving. If the player engages in any of the detrimental swing flawsdescribed above, the player is given immediate feedback. For example,due to the positioning of the heels of the feet on the raised step 20,any attempt to step back out of the swing or “bail out” by moving thefront foot in a direction away from the pitch (to the left of anoncoming pitch for a right-handed player) results in the front footstepping off the platform. The player can immediately notice that thefront foot is no longer on the platform and take corrective measures.

In addition, tether 90 prevents the player from “lunging” at the ball.As described above, tether 90 prevents the player from oversteppingtoward the ball, thereby transferring weight from the back foot to thefront foot. Thus, any attempt to lunge forward at the ball results inincreased tension and pressure on chest strap 100. The player is able tofeel the increase in pressure from chest strap 90, and is therebyafforded instant feedback.

The player is provided with instant feedback from the adjustable strapif the player drops the shoulder or hands while swinging the swinginginstrument. If the player attempts to drop the shoulder or hands, strap200 will travel over the swinging instrument, resulting in strap 200wrapping around the swinging instrument. When strap is wrapped aroundthe swinging instrument, the player is alerted that the swing isimproper, and the player may take action to remedy the swing flaw.

Finally, any attempt to “cast” the swinging instrument by extending theelbows early in the swing and behind the players body results in the bateither hitting vertical section 50 or strap 200. As such, the properswing mechanics are reinforced by forcing the batter to begin the swingwith the bottom of the swinging instrument pointed in the direction ofthe oncoming pitch.

The present invention may be used in a variety of training methods. Forexample, live or machine-automated pitching may be employed when usingthe present invention. In addition, a tee may also be used when usingthe present invention.

A player may disable one or more components of the invention if it isdesired to focus training on a specific flaw. For example, if a playeris primarily concerned about “bailing out” the player may disable thevertical section and train without strap 200 or tether 90. Likewise, ifthe elimination of “lunging” is the sole concern, the player may chooseto not connect strap 200. In addition, the strap 200, when not attachedto the swinging instrument, may be used for strength training. However,to achieve the total effect of the swing aid, all of the components areused simultaneously.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contain certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges ofvarying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that anycombination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used.

The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scopeby the specific embodiments herein disclosed, since these embodimentsare intended as illustrations of several aspects of the invention. Anyequivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of thisinvention. For example, the apparatus of the invention may also be usedfor training in other sports including softball, golf, tennis, and othersports requiring swinging an instrument. Indeed, various modificationsof the invention in addition to those shown and described herein willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoingdescription. Such modifications are also intended to fall within thescope of the appended claims. All patents and patent applications citedin the foregoing text are expressly incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

1. An apparatus for training comprising: a vertical section coupled to ahorizontal platform; a raised step bordering the platform; an angledstop surface travelling across the width of the platform; a tethercoupled at one end to the vertical section and at the other end to aharness; and an adjustable strap coupled to the vertical section at oneend and adapted to be attached to a swinging instrument.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical section may be adjusted toaccommodate a left-handed or right-handed user.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the tether may be adjusted to be substantially parallelto the platform.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tether isadjustable from a height of about 2.0 feet to about 6.0 feet.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the raised step is at least 0.1 inch abovethe platform.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the raised step isfrom about 0.05 inch to about 2.00 inches above the platform.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable strap comprises an elasticmaterial.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable strapforms an angle with the pole between about 30° to about 45°.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform is at least about 0.1 inchesabove the ground.
 10. A method for training a swing comprising the stepsof: attaching a vertical section to a platform to form a right anglewith the platform; attaching a tether to the vertical section; attachingthe tether to the user; and attaching one end of an adjustable strap tothe vertical section and the other end of the adjustable strap to aswinging instrument.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising thesteps of: positioning the heels of the user's feet on a raised step; andpositioning the back foot of the user against a stop surface.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the adjustable strap comprises an elasticmaterial.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the tether is coupled to aharness worn by the user.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprisingthe step of adjusting the height of the tether to a position on thevertical section wherein the tether is substantially parallel to theplatform.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the adjustable strap formsan angle of between about 30° and 45° with the vertical section.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the swinging instrument is initially held bythe user substantially parallel to the adjustable strap.